Alcare in the Philippines

If you are an alcare user, we distribute products here in the Philippines. Alcare carries different products for ostomy care. Thank you to colostomy friends for allowing us to post this advertisement. Wait for the launching of our website.

Ostomy Support Group Makati

Ostomates Support Group Meeting
Please Join us at Dec 10 - Saturday 2:30 to 4:30 pm
at

The Carewell Community Foundation, Inc.

Our office/ facility is located at:
6th Floor, S & L Building
dela Rosa corner Esteban Streets
Legaspi Village, Makati City 1200 PHILIPPINES

Phone: (632) 815-1294
(632)751-0242


Please indicate if you will be able to join by posting in our shout box.

Ostomy Support Group Venue national kidney and transplant insitute

Hello fellow Ostomates,

We will have a get together on December 9, 2011 at National Kidney Institute for a meeting and a support group. Hope that you can come. Please pass the word.

Salamat po.

Colostomy Friends

Ostomates Gathering

Please stay tuned for announcements regarding ostomates gathering this December 2011.

It will be like getting to know activity with other ostomates.
Will keep you posted on time, date and place.
Thank you.

In remembrance of Dato Cardosa

We have lost a man who represents strength and love for ostomates.

Read more here

ASPOA Conference

UOAA Reno Conference

UOAA Conference 2011 - Reno, NV from UOAA on Vimeo.

Thanks to UOAA for the video

I Get Scared Too.

I Get Scared Too.

Monday, July 18, 2011 at 3:31PM
Jessica in ostomy, relationship, rob

I think that since I’ve started writing this blog, I’ve painted a picture of myself as a typical young woman. Maybe a stronger-and-more-secure-than-normal type of woman… but that may not be entirely true.

Don’t get me wrong, and don’t take me as egotistical, but I am strong and secure. I’ve dealt with a lot of crap in my life and have taken it with a grain of salt. I haven’t caved in under pressure and I refuse to let someone disrespect me.

As strong and secure as I may be… I am still just girl. Like any normal girl, I am insecure about my body.

I’m not surprised I’m like this, to be honest, because of the torture my body endured while dealing with my Crohn’s disease. I’ve been grossly skinny, with bones sticking out everywhere, to overweight with a fat face of an alien thanks to medications. I’ve had thinning hair, pale skin, and dark circles under my eyes. I’ve spent a lot of time looking like I was going to die, so ultimately, my view of my own body is less than great. It has improved immensely since I’ve been healthy, as you can obviously tell since I can pose half naked for pictures haha.

Despite having those (I want to say normal) insecurities about my body, my ostomy is not one of them. I could basically just whip off my pants and show it to the world. I love talking about it and spreading awareness. I am not insecure about my ostomy.

99% of the time.

99% of the time I talk about it like the daily news. 99% of the time I force people to poke it. 99% of the time, I make a joke about it to large groups of people.

1% of the time, I wish I was wearing a huge, baggy sweatsuit.

This 1% of the time only occurs when I start seeing a new boy.

Obviously, I open up (right away, I might add) about my ostomy to a new boy. I explain what it is and how it works, if they haven’t already figured it out for themselves, and I basically make sure they understand. They need to understand it if they’re going to date me.

For some reason, once I’m past the point of explanation and thing begin to get more intimate, I get extremely awkward and weird when it comes to showing my ostomy to them.

I’ve always had the mantra that I am who I am and whoever doesn’t like it isn’t worth my time. That’s exactly what I think when I’m dating, and I know that if a guy can’t handle my ostomy, then he’s not for me.(Duh) It just sucks knowing there’s the small chance that the guy you’ve just fallen for can decide they don’t like you anymore because of it. Obviously I wouldn’t even want to date them by that point, but it’s sad to lose something you’ve grown to like.

I have been extremely fortunate in my life that I have never been in situation like that. Every guy I’ve dated has been accepting of my ostomy whether or not they themselves were a decent guy. (The ostomy really doesn’t filter our the assholes like I hoped it would.. haha) My ostomy has never gotten in the way of anything that has to do with relationships nor, obviously, does it change who I am. But for some reason, I just hate letting them actually see my bag.

I now have a new boyfriend (finally, right?) named Rob, who is amazing. He’s basically just like me. We like a lot of the same things, we think alike in many ways, and we get along really well. He makes me laugh and smile and respects me.

He’s also made it very clear that he completely accepts my ostomy. He asks tons of questions so he can understand it, he giggles with me when it makes weird noises, and he keeps trying to look at it! He’s so accepting of my ostomy that even when I had the wonderful misfortunate of having a “major ostomy issue” (for the first time in, maybe 5 years?) he was perfectly fine with it. I was beyond embarrassed and thought that he would for sure dump me because it was too much. Instead, he pulled me close to him and proved to me it wasn’t a big deal.

It isn’t a big deal.

For someone as confident as I am with my ostomy, it really surprises me that I get like this around guys, especially with Rob. He’s proven that he doesn’t care what I have and that he likes me for me.

Maybe it’s some mixture of the already existing insecurities about my body tied to the fear of losing someone I really like. Regardless of why, I know it needs to stop.

Eventually I know I will get over it.

It’s just something, like every ostomate, that I have to get used to.

http://uncoverostomy.com/blog/2011/7/18/i-get-scared-too.html

Use Reliable Stomas Skin Barriers And Stop Stoma Skin Irritation

Skin problems are extraordinarily popular in most stoma patients and these irritations can be very stressful to them. This can elicit annoying discomfort which can cause insolence on their part.

Normally, irritations are the aftereffect of using ostomy supplies. That's why it is necessary to use solely reliable hollister stomas skin barrier with flange. But, there are some who have skin "reaction" to the materials or the components used. If this happens, make positive to tell the nurse.

How to determine skin irritation?

To determine irritation, a burning and itching sensation will start to manifest below the skin barrier. This is often typically the result of leakage or a reaction of the merchandise, either way immediate checking of the stoma must be performed.

What are the various skin infections?

When skin irritation emanates and is not addressed to immediately, may cause develop a skin infection. This is thus as a result of micro-organisms could begin to proliferate as a result of the stoma is warm, moist, and soiled. This could not cause major diseases except for patients that are tormented by general ill-health or diabetes or maintains immunosuppressive medication would possibly somehow expertise more complications.

For gentle skin infections, an antiseptic could be used to cleanse the infected area. Further, oral antibiotics might be taken for those experiencing severe infections.

Fungal infections could embody Thrush or candida, Tinea corporis or dermatophyte infection, and Pityriasis versicolor. Viral infections on the other hand could embrace herpes simples or commonly called cold sores, viral warts, and molluscum contagiosum.

How to avoid skin irritations?

Avoid skin irritations by looking after the stoma wound area. Follow these easy steps of skin care to own irritation-free stoma. Here's how:

1. Cleanse the encompassing skin of the stoma with water solely and use a cotton wipe. If cleanser is employed, have it totally rinsed immediately. Avoid oily or any perfumed products.

2. It is necessary to shave any bushy areas round the stoma a minimum of once a week. Create certain that the razor blade is clean and sterilized.

3. Cowl raw areas with a thin hydrocolloid wafer before putting the stoma bag, do this only if it is required by the doctor.

4. Conjointly, a barrier film, pastes or powder is required to protect the skin and avoid leakage.

How to stop skin irritation?

Easy! Use only economical ostomy medical supplies. This suggests that the ostomy products should acquire the subsequent properties:

1. It should be soft, snug to use, and is created from a low-irritant material.

2. Adhesive tapes must be ready to stick evenly to irregular body contours therefore as to inhibit unwanted leaks.

3. Stoma bag ought to be waterproof.

4. The ostomy products should be integrated with charcoal filter to keep it odor-free in the slightest degree times.

Skin irritations may now be evaded with the proper cleansing procedure in as a lot of as learning how to work out a dependable ostomy supplies. Use solely reliable hollister stomas skin barrier with flange and build your patient comfy and gratified.

Read more: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Use-Reliable-Stomas-Skin-Barriers-And-Stop-Stoma-Skin-Irritation/1902055#ixzz1S5qglSJw
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution No Derivatives

What is a Urostomy?

• The urinary system is made up of the kidneys, two ureters, bladder and the urethra. The kidneys produce urine and the urine travels through the ureters (tubes) to the bladder where it is stored. The urine then leaves the body through the urethra. The creation of a urostomy is a surgical procedure in which the urine bypasses the bladder. The urine leaves the body through an opening in the abdomen called a stoma instead of leaving through the urethra. During surgery, your bladder may be left in place or it may be removed.
  
  
• To create a passageway for the urine to travel from the ureters to the stoma, a portion of the colon is used. A portion of the colon is cut and the main colon is then reconnected for normal bowel function. The ureters are detached from the bladder and attached to the portion of colon that was cut. The end of this portion of the colon is then brought to the surface of the abdomen to allow the urine to leave the body. The urine drains into a watertight pouch (bag). The bag is attached to the skin with an adhesive (substance that seals the pouch to the skin).
  
  
• A urostomy is needed when the bladder does not work properly due to certain health conditions. Some of these include bladder cancer, neurologic (brain and nerve) conditions, birth defects, and inflammation of the bladder.

Counselling for Ostomy Patients / support group

I spoke with a patient having problems with the care of his stoma. Since he had no recourse what to do, he called for a Et nurse in a hospital along ortigas passing by Meralco Building. sorry but cannot mention the name of the hospital. The ET nurse charged 1000 pesos for a less than an hour consultation. He left immediately after prescribing stomahesive powder. He narrated that he has to visit 10 more patients for the day. That is a resounding 10k or about 220 dollars.

Kita mo nga naman ang mga iba nating kapwa nurses kung paano mang-abuso ng pasyente. Get in touch with us and we will charge you for free. It is ostomates helping us ostomates. After all, I believe that no doctor or et nurse will understand our situation more than ourselves.

Sad to say masyadong garapal ka naman sumingil pare kong ET nurse from M... hospital.

What is a Twisted Colon?

Twisted colon (colonic volvulus): A twisted colon is a twisting of a portion of the colon around its mesentery creating a colonic obstruction. The sigmoid colon and cecum are the most common portions of the colon involved in a colonic volvulus.

A twisted colon can be very painful. A lack of fiber in your diet is one of the main contributing factors to how your colon got twisted; however, there many other possibilities: chronic constipation, the presence of pathogenic organisms, nutritional deficiencies, a toxic-laden colon, and stress. When twists are present they often occur along with constrictions, ballooning and prolapses that are not normal in the colon.

There are two types of twisted colons: Sigmoid volvulus and cecal volvulus

Sigmoid Volvulus

Background: Sigmoid volvulus is the most common form of volvulus of the gastrointestinal tract and is responsible for 8% of all intestinal obstructions. Sigmoid volvulus is particularly common in elderly persons. Patients present with abdominal pain, distension, and absolute constipation. Predisposing factors include chronic constipation, mega colon, and an excessively mobile colon. Plain abdominal radiograph findings are usually diagnostic. Decompression may be achieved with the introduction of a stiff tube per the rectum, aided by endoscopy or fluoroscopy. Early radiographic recognition is important to prevent mortality related to sigmoid volvulus.

Cecal Volvulus

Background: The term cecal volvulus is a misnomer because, in most patients with cecal volvulus, the torsion is located in the ascending colon above the ileocecal valve. In general, a partial malrotation is necessary for cecal volvulus to occur, because the cecum and also parts of the ascending colon are involved. Early diagnosis is essential to reduce the high mortality rate reported with this condition, which is essentially a closed-loop obstruction that may lead to vascular compromise with consequent gangrene and perforation.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/109349

What is Hirschsprung disease (HD)?

Hirschsprung's disease (HD) is a disease of the large intestine that causes severe constipation or intestinal obstruction. Constipation means stool moves through the intestines slower than usual. Bowel movements occur less often than normal and stools are difficult to pass. Some children with HD cannot pass stool at all, which can result in the complete blockage of the intestines, a condition called intestinal obstruction. People with HD are born with it and are usually diagnosed when they are infants. Less severe cases are sometimes diagnosed when a child is older. An HD diagnosis in an adult is rare.

After appearing in a local tv show here in the Philippines, some cases asking for free colostomy bags are of this particular disease. What I do not understand is the size of the stoma

Abdominal Adhesions

What are abdominal adhesions?

Abdominal adhesions are bands of tissue that form between abdominal tissues and organs. Normally, internal tissues and organs have slippery surfaces, which allow them to shift easily as the body moves. Adhesions cause tissues and organs to stick together.



Although most adhesions cause no symptoms or problems, others cause chronic abdominal or pelvic pain. Adhesions are also a major cause of intestinal obstruction and female infertility.

Abdominal Adhesions Overview

An adhesion is a band of scar tissue that binds 2 parts of your tissue together. They should remain separate. Adhesions may appear as thin sheets of tissue similar to plastic wrap or as thick fibrous bands.

The tissue develops when the body's repair mechanisms respond to any tissue disturbance, such as surgery, infection, trauma, or radiation. Although adhesions can occur anywhere, the most common locations are within the stomach, the pelvis, and the heart.

What causes abdominal adhesions?

Abdominal surgery is the most frequent cause of abdominal adhesions. Almost everyone who undergoes abdominal surgery develops adhesions; however, the risk is greater after operations on the lower abdomen and pelvis, including bowel and gynecological surgeries. Adhesions can become larger and tighter as time passes, causing problems years after surgery.

Surgery-induced causes of abdominal adhesions include

* tissue incisions, especially those involving internal organs
* the handling of internal organs
* the drying out of internal organs and tissues
* contact of internal tissues with foreign materials, such as gauze, surgical gloves, and stitches
* blood or blood clots that were not rinsed out during surgery

A less common cause of abdominal adhesions is inflammation from sources not related to surgery, including

* appendicitis—in particular, appendix rupture
* radiation treatment for cancer
* gynecological infections
* abdominal infections

Rarely, abdominal adhesions form without apparent cause.

How can abdominal adhesions cause intestinal obstruction?

Abdominal adhesions can kink, twist, or pull the intestines out of place, causing an intestinal obstruction. An intestinal obstruction partially or completely restricts the movement of food or stool through the intestines. A complete intestinal obstruction is life threatening and requires immediate medical attention and often surgery.

What are the symptoms of abdominal adhesions?

Although most abdominal adhesions go unnoticed, the most common symptom is chronic abdominal or pelvic pain. The pain often mimics that of other conditions, including appendicitis, endometriosis, and diverticulitis.

What are the symptoms of an intestinal obstruction?

Symptoms of an intestinal obstruction include

* severe abdominal pain or cramping
* vomiting
* bloating
* loud bowel sounds
* swelling of the abdomen
* inability to pass gas
* constipation

A person with these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.

How are abdominal adhesions and intestinal obstructions diagnosed?

No tests are available to diagnose adhesions, and adhesions cannot be seen through imaging techniques such as x rays or ultrasound. Most adhesions are found during exploratory surgery. An intestinal obstruction, however, can be seen through abdominal x rays, barium contrast studies—also called a lower GI series—and computerized tomography.

How are abdominal adhesions and intestinal obstructions treated?

Treatment for abdominal adhesions is usually not necessary, as most do not cause problems. Surgery is currently the only way to break adhesions that cause pain, intestinal obstruction, or fertility problems. More surgery, however, carries the risk of additional adhesions and is avoided when possible.

A complete intestinal obstruction usually requires immediate surgery. A partial obstruction can sometimes be relieved with a liquid or low-residue diet. A low-residue diet is high in dairy products, low in fiber, and more easily broken down into smaller particles by the digestive system.

Can abdominal adhesions be prevented?

Abdominal adhesions are difficult to prevent; however, surgical technique can minimize adhesions.

Laparoscopic surgery avoids opening up the abdomen with a large incision. Instead, the abdomen is inflated with gas while special surgical tools and a video camera are threaded through a few, small abdominal incisions. Inflating the abdomen gives the surgeon room to operate.

If a large abdominal incision is required, a special filmlike material (Seprafilm) can be inserted between organs or between the organs and the abdominal incision at the end of surgery. The filmlike material, which looks similar to wax paper, is absorbed by the body in about a week.

Other steps during surgery to reduce adhesion formation include using starch- and latex-free gloves, handling tissues and organs gently, shortening surgery time, and not allowing tissues to dry out.

Points to Remember

* Abdominal adhesions are bands of tissue that form between abdominal tissues and organs, causing tissues and organs to stick together.
* Although most adhesions cause no symptoms or problems, others cause chronic abdominal or pelvic pain, bowel obstruction, or female infertility.
* Abdominal surgery is the most frequent cause of abdominal adhesions.
* Abdominal adhesions can kink, twist, or pull the intestines out of place, causing an intestinal obstruction.
* A complete intestinal obstruction is life threatening and requires immediate medical attention and often surgery.
* Abdominal adhesions cause female infertility by preventing fertilized eggs from reaching the uterus, where fetal development takes place.
* No tests are available to diagnose adhesions, and adhesions cannot be seen through imaging techniques such as x rays or ultrasound.
* An intestinal obstruction can be seen through abdominal x rays, barium contrast studies—also called a lower GI series—and computerized tomography.
* Surgery is currently the only way to break adhesions that cause pain, intestinal obstruction, or fertility problems.



General Facts

* Abdominal adhesions: Abdominal adhesions are a common complication of surgery, occurring in up to 93% of people who undergo abdominal or pelvic surgery. Abdominal adhesions also occur in 10.4% of people who have never had surgery.

o Most adhesions are painless and do not cause complications. However, adhesions cause 60%-70% of small bowel obstructions in adults and are believed to contribute to the development of chronic pelvic pain.

o Adhesions typically begin to form within the first few days after surgery, but they may not produce symptoms for months or even years. As scar tissue begins to restrict motion of the small intestines, passing food through the digestive system becomes progressively more difficult. The bowel may become blocked.

o In extreme cases, adhesions may form fibrous bands around a segment of an intestine. This constricts blood flow and leads to tissue death.

Life After Ulcerative Colitis Surgery By Stephanie Fagnani

The most common surgical procedure to cure ulcerative colitis includes the creation of a ileostomy, which redirects stool to exit the body through a portion of small intestine that is routed through an opening, or stoma, in the abdomen. The second most common surgical procedure, the ileoanal pull-through, preserves a portion of the rectum so that normal bowel movements can occur. Both procedures result in lifestyle changes for the patient.

Lactose Intolerance
1. Many people afflicted with ulcerative colitis report an intolerance to the lactose found in milk products. However, this allergy typically disappears after surgery and a diet including milk products can be enjoyed again.
Ileostomy
2. An ileostomy requires daily and weekly maintenance. Every day, a plastic bag attached to the stoma will need to be emptied whenever it becomes full. The bag should be changed weekly, and the skin around the stoma cleaned to prevent irritation.
Ileoanal Pouch
3. Certain foods, including spicy dishes and leafy greens, may increase output for patients that have the ileoanal pouch. Meanwhile, consuming foods such as bean sprouts and nuts can lead to an intestinal obstruction.
Support Groups
4. According to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, learning what to expect after surgery by talking to others who have already been through it will help alleviate fears.
Famous Ties
5. Rolf Benirschke, former placekicker for the San Diego Chargers, had surgery to remove his colon in 1978. Despite living with an ileostomy, he went on to play seven more seasons as a professional football player.


Read more: Life After Ulcerative Colitis Surgery | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5255154_life-after-ulcerative-colitis-surgery.html#ixzz1GbjYrA7d

PInoy MD

GMA 7 Pinoy M.D., Mga Doktor ng Bayan is an upcoming health and beauty show, hosted by Connie Sison, Dr. David Ampil II and Dr. Raul Quillamor.

The new show Pinoy MD discusses major health issues, health myths, healthy living, and aims to provide information that may help viewers understand various factors concerning overall wellness ranging from critical health issues to even practical beauty tips. The show is hosted by Connie Sison, Dr. David Ampil II and Dr. Raul Quillamor from 6am to 7am on GMA-7.

For your health questions and concerns you can contact the show Pinoy M.D. via toll-free 1800 numbers:1-800-63-7777-7; 1-800-63-7777-8; and 1-800-63-7777-9. Metro Manila viewers may call 981-1977; 981-1978; and 981-1979.

Please get to watch Pinoy MD when it presents plight of ostomates and the importance of colostomy bags.

Invitation for ostomates to attend a lay fora to answer basic needs of ostomates.

Relay for Life 2011 (Philippines)

The relay for life this year of 2011 will be held in Quezon Memorial Circle Quezon City. It is slated on February 18 - 19 (Friday and Saturday.)

The activity will start at 7:00 o'clock in the morning.

The Quezon City Government supports programs of its non-government partners such as this event that caters to the needs of cancer patients, especilally those who lack the financial resources to sustain treatment. All Quezon City Departments and employees have been enjoined to participate in this noble endeavor.